Hard To See How F-35 Costs Are Under Control

The Pentagon has reported that F-35 fighter jet costs are no longer out of control [Dec. 21, Page 1, "Pentagon Defends F-35 Costs"]. This might be true, but our military spending philosophy is way out of control, and the F-35 is a stunning example of this.

It is expected that as production increases, the cost of each F-35 will be down to a measly $85 million. The Defense Department expects to spend $14 billion each year for the next 10 years on the F-35. The total project cost is $379 billion.

This money could have a real impact if it was used to improve our bridges and highways, improve our schools, reduce college debt or even reduce our taxes. However, too many of our politicians think the F-35 is a better way to spend our money.